The Office of Family Life and Pastoral Care advocates for compassionate care of all those who are infected or affected by HIV/AIDS.  The Florida Catholic Bishops write:

“As Catholic Christians, we are called to respond in the manner of Jesus, with care and compassion. As the U.S. Bishops wrote in their pastoral, Called to Compassion and Responsibility: A Response to the HIV/AIDS Crisis:  "Our response to persons living with AIDS must be such that we discover Christ in them and they in turn can encounter Christ in us."

Statistics

The statistics for Florida give witness to the impact HIV/AIDS has in our community:

• Florida Numbers (from Bureau of HIV/AIDS, Florida Dept of Health).

• Throughout the AIDS epidemic, Florida has consistently ranked third in the nation in the number of reported cases and second in the number of pediatric cases. (Source: Florida Department of Health, 2003).

• The HIV/AIDS epidemic in Florida has disproportionately impacted minorities. An important issue common to all minorities is access to health care, including HIV diagnostic and treatment services. (Source: Florida Department of Health, 2002).

• The Florida Department of Health estimates that 100,000 Floridians (11% of the national total) are living with HIV infection. Males account for 76% and females account for 24% of cumulative reported AIDS cases. (Source: Florida Department of Health, 2003).

• Of the over 78,000 cumulative HIV cases in Florida, 55% are among African Americans, 28% are among Caucasians, and 17% are among Hispanics (Source: Florida Department of Health, 2003).

• HIV/AIDS is the leading cause of death in Florida for both black males and black females. (Source: Florida Department of Health, 2003)

For more information on how you can respond, please call 407-246-4880.

Resources

• Florida Catholic Conference – Bishops’ Statement on AIDS: Click here.)
• World Aids Day: Click here.)

The Florida Catholic AIDS Network coordinates HIV/AIDS education and pastoral care for the Catholic Church in Florida through its compassionate outreach and to all persons afflicted with the HIV pandemic. Website: www.flacathconf.org/fcan.